Crystals have long been a symbol of faith and purity, but they also have an ethereal aesthetic that hints at sensual mysteries and spiritual powers. The stone's contradictory qualities inspired medieval poets to use it as a metaphor for erotic love and desire. Today, crystals are a hot trend among millennials seeking spiritual well-being and positive energy.

Whether you're in the market for a large, gypsum geode with mystical carvings or a set of clear quartz tumble stones to help you declutter and organize, New York City has a variety of shops that will satisfy your craving for magical crystals.

A gem expert at Dreaming Goddess, which calls itself "a funky gift shop with a crystal twist," says the most important thing to keep in mind when shopping for crystals is to trust your intuition and not let other people's opinions skew your opinion of a stone. This is especially true if you're a beginner, since each stone has its own unique properties and benefits.

The store's greatest showpiece, Mirabello says, is a huge amethyst geode from Brazil naturally shaped like angel wings and priced at nearly $9,000. The staff also offers workshops and classes on subjects such as self-care, meditation, and tarot readings.

Another popular way to incorporate crystals into your daily life is by wearing them as jewelry, such as necklaces and rings. During meditation, some practitioners use crystal prayer beads to count repetitions of a mantra or sacred chant. Others wear crystal-infused water bottles that are said to promote everything from energy to balance.

If you're looking to purchase a crystal, ask about its source. Some crystals are mined in unsustainable ways, contributing to environmental and social issues in their countries of origin. Others are so rare that they take thousands of years to form, so you'll want to make sure your crystals are ethically sourced.

This Brooklyn-based crystal and rock shop specializes in healing minerals and gemstones, including the famed rose quartz, amethyst, opal, and tiger's eye. The shop sells crystals both big and small, and its website has an easy-to-use guide that helps you identify each stone's color, value, and healing properties.

Before Tania and Dean Wolfson opened their shop in New Paltz, they spent decades selling their crystal jewelry on the festival circuit, at music shows, Celtic festivals, and mineral expos. Now they own a spacious, museum-like showroom, where they offer specimens for both novice and advanced collectors.

In addition to offering a wide array of stones, this family-owned gem and mineral shop also carries crystal-infused bath bombs and oils. It's also the largest retail dealer of raw crystals in the United States, according to its website. https://quatangthanhdat.com/bang-vinh-danh/ carries a huge selection of gemstones, fossils, and crystals in various shapes and sizes, ranging from small tumbled stones to massive 2000-ib amethyst geodes. The shop's opulent, colorful displays are guaranteed to evoke awe.